Universal-serial-bus-compatible apparatus

Abstract

Provided is a USB-compatible apparatus. More particularly, the USB-compatible apparatus integrates a mobile communication module (such as 3G/3.5G/3.75G) and a WLAN module (such as WiFi) into a singular USB apparatus. Inside the body of the USB-compatible apparatus, a routing module is introduced to bridge the mobile communication module and the WLAN module so as to forward the transferred or received data packets therebetween. A plurality of terminal computers can connect to a network via this USB-compatible apparatus since the inside WLAN module provides multiple wireless ports for the terminal computers. The USB-compatible apparatus further has a power-management module for performing arrangement of electric power among the inside modules. The USB-compatible apparatus particularly uses a USB interface to take an external power. Preferably, the apparatus can take power directly from a computer system, or use alternating current or direct current via an adapter.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A USB apparatus, comprising:
 a USB connector body, and an internal circuit of the USB connector body comprising:
 a mobile communication module, providing a network-connection function, and thereby connecting with a mobile communication network; 
 a WLAN module, connected to the mobile communication module via a data interface, in order to provide USB apparatus to connected to a wireless local area network; 
 a routing module, bridging the mobile communication module and the WLAN module, used for forwarding data packets between the mobile communication network and the wireless local area network; and 
 a power management module, electrically connected with the mobile communication module and the WLAN module for performing power allocation among the modules; 
 
 a USB interface being an interface of the USB connector body for taking an external power source; 
 wherein the USB apparatus includes a routing mode and a dongle mode; when under the routing mode, the USB apparatus takes power from a computer system via the USB interface, and simultaneously performs a routing function between the mobile communication network and the wireless local area network; when under the dongle mode, the computer system is directly connected with the USB apparatus, and connects to the mobile communication network through the USB apparatus. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein USB apparatus connects to a power source adapter via the USB interface, and connects to the external power source through the power source adapter. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the power source adapter connects to a USB port of a computer system via a cable, and the computer system supplies power therethrough. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein power source adapter has a plug at one end thereof for connecting to an alternating current source, and takes power therethrough. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the routing module is implemented by a programmable firmware. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the routing module is implemented by a circuit which bridges the mobile communication module and the WLAN module. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the USB apparatus further comprises a memory for recording a server program. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the mobile communication module has an RF module and a baseband module, and the baseband module includes a processor for processing signals generated by the baseband module and the RF module. 
     
     
       9. A USB apparatus, comprising:
 a USB connector body, and an internal circuit of the USB connector body comprising:
 two or more network modules, providing a capability of connecting to at least a mobile communication network and a wireless local area network; 
 a routing module, wherein the routing module is implemented by a programmable firmware and bridging the two or more network modules, and used for forwarding data packets between the mobile communication network and the wireless local area network; and 
 a power management module, electrically connected with the network modules for performing power allocation among the modules; 
 
 a USB interface being an interface of the USB connector body for taking an external power source; 
 wherein the USB apparatus includes a routing mode and a dongle mode; when under the routing mode, the USB apparatus takes power from a computer system via the USB interface, and simultaneously performs a routing function between the mobile communication network and the wireless local area network; and when under the dongle mode, the computer system is directly connected with the USB apparatus, and connects to the mobile communication network through the USB apparatus. 
 
     
     
       10. The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein USB apparatus connects to a power source adapter via the USB interface, and connects to the external power source through the power source adapter. 
     
     
       11. The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein network modules at least includes a mobile communication module for connecting with the mobile communication network, and a WLAN module for connecting to the wireless local area network. 
     
     
       12. The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the mobile communication module and the WLAN module are interconnected via a data interface. 
     
     
       13. The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the mobile communication module has an RF module and a baseband module, and the baseband module includes a processor for processing signals generated by the baseband module and the RF module. 
     
     
       14. The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the USB apparatus further comprises a memory for recording a server program.